Semi Truck Driving School

What Are The Instructors Really Like Truck Driving School?

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 by Derek McClain

Thinking about truck driving school?

Wondering what it's really like to go from an inexperienced driver to a confident CDL holder in 3-4 weeks?

How about the instructors, what's it like to work with them?

Check out the video below as real truck driving school students talk about the learning experience that is CDL training. In this video, students will discuss training in general as well as their experience with the truck driving school instructors.

On the surface, driving a semi tractor trailer may seem pretty easy, but once you learn all of the information covered in the classroom, on the range and out on the road you'll gain a whole new resepect for what it takes to become a professional truck driver.

Truck driving school is a fast paced, fun learning experience that will give you the skills needed to find a truck driver job and open doors to a career in the transportation industry. Remember, the instructors are there for a reason and it's to help you be successful.

Apply with Driver Solutions
If you are looking to find the best truck driving school in your area to learn the skills necessary to find a truck driving job, complete our secure online application. This will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your options.

Truck Driving Video - Introducing Jerry

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 by Jerry Ott

If you're just starting to explore a career in truck driving, you might be wondering where an entry-level truck driving job can take you. What if we told you that you could travel across several countries - including some across an ocean? In this series, we're introducing you to our guest video blogger Jerry Ott, also known as "Bullfrog" among his friends and peers.

Jerry has a YouTube channel and video series called Big Rig Talk where he talks about and showcases his long career on the road. In the next few posts, Jerry will be talk about his background in truck driving -- and his unique experience overseas as a truck driver in Iraq! Watch the video to get acquainted with Jerry, and check back soon for the next part of this video post series.

Jerry has been in the truck driving industry for over 25 years. He started out with driving heavy tow trucks and wreckers and eventually grew tired of those vehicles and desired to drive a tractor trailer. With a little help from his family, he went to truck driving school and got his Class A endorsement on his drivers license. As a Canadian, his drivers license holds everything relating to his truck driving privileges including the Class A, Z air brakes endorsement, and medical card. In Canada, there is no such thing as a "Commercial Driver's License", and the drivers license can be upgraded or downgraded at any time by the Ministry of Transportation.

In 1993, Jerry got the opportunity to do "cross-border" truck driving and has been doing it ever since. He's been to every province in Canada except Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, and all the lower 48 United States, many times over. He's hauled every kind of trailer, from reefer to flatbed. He's driven over two million miles, accident-free! He believes one of the things that makes truck driving jobs so great is the travel - you're essentially a paid tourist.

Jerry currently works with flatbed trucks on a semi-dedicated lane. He's home every weekend, but his routes somewhat vary between different customers which he prefers since it mixes up his routine. While he's on a dedicated route with plenty of home time now, he started out like all other new truck drivers start out: by paying their dues and spending a couple of years out on the road. But Jerry thinks new truckers shouldn't be discouraged - there's a lot of opportunity out there, and the trucks they'll be getting placed in these days are very comfortable and well-equipped.

Jerry is a great example of how approaching an entry-level truck driving job with hard work and a positive attitude can open up a wealth of opportunities from extensive travel, great benefits, and the perfect position for you.

Check back soon to learn more about Jerry's experience driving a truck overseas in Iraq. If you have any questions for Jerry, leave a comment and he'll answer them in a future video.

Interested in seeing how truck driving can change your life? Driver Solutions offers company-sponsored CDL training to get your started in this exciting career. Apply online right now to begin your journey in truck driving.

CDL Training for Safe Driving

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 by Alonna Koch

The most important skill that Driver Solutions network of CDL training schools want to teach drivers is that safe driving on the open road is absolutely critical to being successful. Driver Solutions is determined to provide proper, up-to-date CDL training for safe driving.

Take a minute to ask yourself, “Are you a safe driver?” This short, simple quiz will help you find out what you know about basic safe truck driving. Just answer “true” or “false” for each of the following statements, then check your answers below:

I can drive safely even when I am sleepy.
I am good at texting in my car and paying attention to the road, so it’s safe for me to text and drive a semi truck.
I don’t need to wear my seatbelt when I am going low speeds or going on a short trip.
Driving at night and getting a full rest during the day does not affect my chances of being involved in a sleep-related crash.
Rolling down the window or listening to really loud music will help keep me awake.
Drinking a lot of caffeine will cure fatigue.
If I just did a pre-trip inspection at my last drop this morning, I don’t need to do another inspection before my next trip.
I’ve never been in an accident before, so I probably won’t get in one in the future.

FALSE. The only safe driver is an alert driver. Even the safest drivers may become confused and use poor judgment when they are tired.
FALSE. Not only is it very unsafe to text and drive, it’s now illegal for truck drivers. Texting while driving a commercial vehicle like a semi truck can cause you to incur high fines and other penalties. Distracted driving causes thousands of accidents each year, so sending a quick message is not worth hurting yourself or others.
FALSE. In accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, if you are driving a commercial vehicle you MUST wear your seatbelt at all times while driving, no matter how slow you are going or how short a distance you go.
FALSE. It is very hard for our bodies to adjust to working at night and sleeping during the day. Just because you sleep during the day it doesn’t mean that you may not get drowsy while night driving.
FALSE. Opening a window for air or listening to really loud music will not prevent your body from nodding off if it truly needs the sleep. They may help postpone the effects of being tired, but will not prevent them.
FALSE. Caffeine may help give you energy, but the only thing that can cure fatigue is proper sleep.
FALSE. You must do a pre-trip inspection before absolutely every trip, even if you just did an inspection a few hours ago. Not only is it safe for you as a driver, but helps prevent accidents that may harm others.
FALSE. Having a great driving track record is commendable, but it doesn’t mean that accidents cannot happen in the future.

While many of these scenarios seem like common sense, or even humorous at times, safety is a serious issue. Many people honestly believe they can drive better even with dangerous distractions like being tired or texting.

With Driver Solutions CDL training, you will learn all of the information needed to start your career as a safe, knowledgeable truck driver.

If you'd like to get started with the Driver Solutions Program, just complete our online application.

5 Reasons to Start a Truck Driving Career with Driver Solutions

Friday, September 23, 2011 by Alonna Koch

Are you looking for a new career in one of the most stable industries in the country? Are you a hard worker that is motivated to succeed and make up to $40,000 in your first year of work? Are you looking to open the door to advancement opportunities? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be the perfect fit for a new career in truck driving!

A truck driving career can offer you a life of job stability, an impressive salary, and the freedom of life on the road. But now you may be asking yourself:

where am I going to get the training to properly drive a semi truck?
how am I going to afford the permits and licensing requirements?
And most importantly, how am I going to afford the CDL training?

In order to turn your hopes into reality, you need to choose the right training program, and Driver Solutions may be the answer for you with our industry leading company-paid CDL training.

Check out these 5 reasons to start a truck driving career with Driver Solutions:

1)      Driver Solutions is the leader in company-paid CDL training. Truck companies want to hire well trained, professional truck drivers that have attended an accredited truck driving school. Driver Solutions has been in business since 1992 and has developed great relationships with top-notch trucking companies.

2)      Driver Solutions qualifies you for a job opportunity BEFORE you begin CDL training. Driver Solutions reviews your information, qualifies your application, and makes sure that you’re qualified for a truck driving job with a Driver Solutions Network trucking company all BEFORE you begin truck driving school.

3)      You don’t have to have any experience in truck driving to qualify. The unique Driver Solutions program was specially developed for entry level drivers who don’t have past experience or training in truck driving. Driver Solutions offers its candidates all of the tools to succeed in a new trucking career.

4)      Your future career opportunities are endless! The trucking industry is one of the fastest growing markets in the nation. If you’ve decided that a CDL or professional truck driver career is on your horizon, then you’re looking at a bright future.

5)      Getting started with Driver Solutions is easy with the simple step-by-step process. The simple six step process leads applicants through registration, training, testing, licensing, and job orientation. Throughout the process each applicant will have the individualized support of a personal Driver Agent that will be able to offer recommendations regarding the best opportunities and answer questions. Driver Solutions will be there for the applicants, each step of the way.

Are you ready to make the leap? Check out reviews from past Driver Solutions graduates and get started with your new truck driving career!

Avoid Truck Driving School Scams - Research Pays Off

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 by Derek McClain

Applying for truck driving school is not only the first step toward a big career change, it's also the first step toward a big lifestyle change. And like all big decisions in life, it's a good idea to do some research.

Driver Solutions recently had a Facebook conversation discussing just that - researching truck driving schools.

Here's what he had to say:

Chaz makes a great point here - the trucking industry is plagued with "horrible stories" and complaints. Like many things in life, people are always quick to complain but rarely take the time to praise when they receive a service or product better than expected.

Unfortunately, this causes many truck driving schools (Driver Solutions and others) to have to deal with people finding search results on Google such as "Driver Solutions Scam" or "Driver Solutions Complaints." The fact is - these are few and far between. Last year alone, Driver Solutions was able to help over 2,400 students successfully start a trucking career.

So, what can we do to make sure those people new to the trucking industry get an accurate picture? The answer is just what Chaz suggests in this post. We MUST share the good stories as well.

There are so many great drivers out there that help keep us running day-to-day, it's a shame to see their hard work go unrecognized as they're hidden behind these "horror stories." And behind most of these talented drivers is a great trucking school that helped them get their start in the industry.

It's for these reasons that Driver Solutions has spent a lot of time reaching out to these individuals so they can share their stories as well - because they deserve it. Please take a moment to check out some of the resources listed below if you are researching truck driving schools

#1 Resources To Check Out
Driver Solutions followed 2 students through truck driver training. Each week, we posted a video up with their progress and how they were feeling at each point. This is a MUST see series and you can check it out using these links:

#2 Resource To Check Out
Driver Solutions also held a Truck Driver Appreciation contest last year (we'll be doing the same this year) and received many great stories from the families of truck drivers recoginizing hard work and dedication. Below are links to just some of the MANY stories we received:

If you've done your research and you'd like to find out your trucking school options, go ahead and complete our online driver application. By doing so, you won't be commited to anything and you'll be able to schedule a time to speak with a driver agent about your particular situation. Just click the Apply Now button in this post to get started.

What is a DOT Physical? What Are the Requirements?

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 by CDL Training Experts

If you are investigating the career of trucking, you are wise to do some research ahead of time. It is not as easy as simply getting behind the wheel of a semi tractor trailer. While you are conducting your research, you may run across the term DOT physical. You will be required to pass the DOT physical before you get your CDL and begin a trucking career. Here’s what to expect from your DOT physical while in truck driver training school.

CDL license holders are required to hold a valid DOT record certified by a doctor. This is a physical exam that comes with proof in the form of a Medical Examiners Certificate. Formally known as the Department of Transportation Medical Examination, the DOT ensures your ability to be physically sound enough to safely operate and drive a commercial vehicle.

Sometimes you can get your DOT with certain trucking companies that offer CDL training if they have a doctor to work with. The Drivers Solutions Training Program for example will conduct your DOT physical and drug screening in the first week of classes.

Some of the Basic DOT requirements:

You must have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. Glasses or contact lenses are permitted.
You cannot be a diabetic on needle-injected insulin; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted.
Your blood pressure must be under 160/100. Prescription medication to control blood pressure is permitted.
Your blood sugar level must be under 200.
Use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any other habit forming drug is not permitted.
If you have a current diagnosis of cardiac insufficiency, collapse, congestive cardiac failure or any other cardiovascular disease you will be required to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test from within the last 12 months along with a release from your physician stating that you can drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions.

If you feel you meet these requirements and are ready to start your truck driver training - complete our online driver application now.

Getting A CDL License At Truck Driving School

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 by Derek McClain

We recently had the opportunity to follow 2 students, Morry from Atlanta, Georgia and Matt from Lexington, Kentucky, through their CDL training experience at truck driving school.

Each week we caught up with Morry and Matt to find out how things were going and what they were learning along the way. It was amazing to see the transformation these drivers made from their first week at school to the final test day when they were going to get their CDL.

The entered truck driving school a bit nervous and overwhelmed with information. Along the way, they were taught how to break that information apart and put it to use. In the end, they were very confident drivers...

But did they have what it takes to pass the CDL skills test?

Check out the links below to see for yourself!

Watch this video to meet Morry & Matt

Taking the CDL Skills Test - Will They Pass?

Friday, July 8, 2011 by Derek McClain

Well, we're almost to the end of the truck driving school journey for Matt from Lexington, Kentucky and Morry from Atlanta, Georgia. It's time for the final test...the CDL skills test.

They are both scheduled to take their test at 10:00 AM. Will they pass?

Find out if they passed by watching the video above!

For those of you just joining us, we've been following Morry and Matt for 3 weeks now since the start of truck driver training. They've worked hard over the last few weeks, put in the extra hours and have transformed into confident drivers.

Get caught up with this series by clicking on the links below:

If you'd like to start your own journey toward a new and better career - just complete our online application using the Apply Now button in this post!

Will These Truck Driver Training Students Pass the CDL Skills Test?

Thursday, July 7, 2011 by Derek McClain

We've been following Morry and Matt through CDL training for about 3 weeks now. Soon they will be taking the CDL skills test and the tension is mounting!

Will all of their hard work pay off? Will they pass and obtain a CDL license?

Throughout the past 3 weeks they've worked in the classroom to study for the CDL permit test. They've practiced the pre-trip inspection time and time again. They've honed their driving skills on the range focusing on key items like 4 point brake checks, backing exercises, turning and parallel parking. They've even taken to the road in a semi tractor trailer to make sure they're comfortable in "real world" situations. While they both still have a lot to learn, they are ready to head to the BMV for "the final test."

Get caught up with this series by clicking on the links below:

Want to be the first to find out if they pass? Sign up to receive email updates below!

What Should A Good Trucking School Teach You?

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 by Derek McClain

Today, I ran across an article that I was very excited to read. The title of the article was 3 Ways to Avoid an Accident - What Truck Driving Schools Don't Tell You. Clever title, I must say so myself. I thought for sure I was going to get some great information to share with our readers and maybe even something to pass along to CDL instructors to ask for their input.

Instead, I found an article that included only very basic information that any trucking school should cover. In fact, some of the information could even be called "life lessons." Not sure what else to call a point like: "Pay attention. Don't get distracted with all the pretty girls driving by. Especially when you are in heavy traffic." And if things like "planning ahead" and "learning from your mistakes" are not covered, then we've got a serious problem.

But then I started thinking, there probably are some bad trucking schools out there. Perhaps there are even some students that aren't being taught how to properly read a map and plan their routes. Maybe there are even some instructors that don't take the time to teach a proper pre-trip inspection. After all, it's not uncommon to see some "fly by night" operations pop up from time to time.

So, what should a good truck driving school teach you?

In short, you should learn all of the basic skills needed to earn your CDL (Commercial Driver's License) and start a truck driving job. To find out what that process should be like, we've put together a series of videos that breaks down each week. To watch these videos just use the links below:

In 2010, Driver Solutions helped over 2,400 people start new truck driving careers. We did this not just by partnering with good truck driving schools, but the best truck driving schools in the industry. We also take a different approach to offering truck driver training - we find a job opportunity for you BEFORE you actually start school.

If you would like to get your new career started today, just complete our online application by clicking on the Jumpstart Your Career - Apply Now graphic in this post.

6 Tips For Sharing The Road With Truck Drivers

Tuesday, February 1, 2011 by Truck Driver Tips

During truck driver training school, students learn all about the critical safety procedures that help make sure they are prepared to driver an 18-wheeler. Not only is driving a big rig a huge responsibility for the driver, the driver is also taking a responsibility for the other motorists on the road. Operating a big diesel engine with a 10 speed transmission attached to a 53’ long trailer isn't easy, which is why CDL training is so important.

But keeping the roads safe isn't entirely up to the truck driver. As we all know, others on the road can create situations that increase the likelihood of an accident. To help better educate those traveling with trucks on the road we've put together a video.

Watch the video below for 6 tips for sharing the road with truck drivers:

Here is a recap on the 6 tips mentioned in the video:

Understand Blind Spots
Never Pass On The Right
Don't Follow Too Closely
Don't Cut Off A Semi
Be Nice During Merges And Lane Changes
Be Patient

We hope you find these tips to be helpful when sharing the road with truck drivers.

Take Your First Step Toward A Trucking Career With Driver Solutions

Sunday, October 31, 2010 by Truck Driving Training Solutions

Are you ready to start a career in truck driving? Truck driving is a stable job offering many benefits to those looking for a change. Most companies even offer bonuses to their top performing truck drivers. One thing is for sure about life on the road - there will never be boring days in your career in truck driving as every day is a new adventure.

To become a truck driver, you first have to get your commercial driver's license. This is a license that allows you to legally drive an 18 wheeler semi truck. To get this license, you need to undergo CDL training where you will learn how to drive a truck and about safety points you need to check every time you go on the road.

There are numerous truck driving schools in the country. Make sure you are choosing the best truck driving school that is worth your time and money. Enrolling in the Driver Solutions training program is the first step to a career in truck driving. Driver Solutions will help you prepare for your driving test and assist you in choosing the right trucking job. Contact Driver Solutions and learn more about CDL training today.

Fill out our online driver application to get started.

How To: Choose A Trucking School

Thursday, October 28, 2010 by CDL Training Experts

Are you ready to begin your trucking career? While it may seem that it's simply driving a truck, there is a lot involved in operating an 18 wheeler. You need to have in-depth knowledge on how to handle a semi truck safely on the open road. If you are looking to get started, enrolling in a trucking school should be your next move.

There are many truck driving training schools out there now and choosing one can be a difficult decision. And for that, here is a list of questions you should consider before enrolling in just about to any truck driver training school you might find:

Are they going to offer you company paid CDL training?
Do they have qualified CDL training instructors?
Do they help you find a job opportunity before training?
Do they offer a Driver Agent to work with you through process?
How long have they been in business?

If the answer to the first four questions is yes and they have been in business for a length of time in which you are comfortable, then you are going to the right direction.

If you want to get started with a company that has been in business for over 20 years allowing truck drivers to start their career with great CDL training, then take a few moments to complete our online application form.

The Importance of Semi Truck Driving School

Thursday, October 21, 2010 by CDL Training Experts

Driving a semi truck is not an easy task. Many CDL training students are very surprised by all of the information taught at semi truck driving school. It’s not easy for just anyone to hop behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler and hit the road. There are many things involved in getting that truck from point A to point B. Here are some essential things you will learn in a semi truck driver school:

general knowledge on semi-trucks
mechanical know-how on how to operate a semi-truck (ex. air brakes and how to check and gauge fuel levels)
how to keep communication lines open with dispatchers
paperwork management
how to operate combination vehicles
driver control skills
how to pass a road test
federal rules and regulations
how to use safety equipment
pre-trip inspection
how to properly secure the cargo
orward planning (ex. map reading, how to plan your trip and how to choose which route is best)

There are many more important skills which you can learn when you enter a semi-truck training program. Aside from the classroom training, you will also learn through hands-on training to hone your truck driving training and test your capabilities.

Learn more by filling out our online application form and start your career in truck driving now!

Rise Of Women Enrolled In CDL Training

Saturday, October 16, 2010 by CDL Training Experts

The world we live in is constantly changing and has become adaptive to the different signs of the times. Truck driving was accepted to be a man's job until 1929, when the first woman truck driver, Lillie Elizabeth Drennan, hit the open road. Since then, more career opportunities have been created for women in the trucking profession and it is no longer uncommon to see a woman behind the wheel of a big rig.

The best truck driving jobs are open game for both men and women truck drivers. The fact that there are women truck drivers clearly cements the idea that a career in truck driving is no longer exclusively just for men. Many women seeking both solo and team truck driving positions come through our CDL training program.

A truck driving school is the foundation for both men and women to get started in the trucking industry. More than just how to drive a semi truck, a trucking school incorporates time management, safety measures and other pertinent driver training needed by truck drivers on the road.

Fill out our online driver application to learn more.

Semi Truck Driving Schools For Training

Monday, October 4, 2010 by CDL Training Experts

Prior to gaining the right qualifications to find trucking jobs to fit your skills, enrolling in a semi truck driving school is a must to get the experience needed. There are some things that you need to learn before applying for your dream truck driving job.

With student truck driving jobs, you get first hand experience on what a truck driver does in different rigs and with different loads. Truck driver training often includes learning how to read maps, learning what are the HazMat regulations and how to plan your own trips by taking the most optimal route to get to your destination.

Another excellent skill you will acquire in truck driving training school is how to log your routines properly with the company's master log book. Becoming a skilled truck driver also means becoming a safe and responsible employee. Safety comes first on the road and although you may have your own safety measures, a truck school can teach you more and help you prevent accidents that can be avoided.

Furthermore, you are also given training on how to manage the mechanical and technical requirements of this profession. There's definitely more than just plain driving a load from one point of origin to its designated destination. Absorb what you can during training to be an asset to any trucking company.

Fill out our online driver application if you're interested in getting started!

Starting A New Career In Truck Driving

Monday, October 4, 2010 by Derek McClain

Starting a new truck driving career is an exciting time for our driving students. Many will say, there is nothing like the sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing up CDL training and moving on to a semi truck driving job.

We caught up with a recent truck driving training graduate to talk to him about why he decided to pursue a truck driving job and what the experience at trucking school was like for him. Like many people that decide to come through our school, he was first introduced to a semi truck by one of his relatives. Many people can't get enough once they've seen life behind the wheel of a big rig and that was the case for this recent graduate!

Check out the video below and apply today if you are interested in starting your career behind the wheel today.

Truck Driving Training School Interviews - What Has CDL Training Been Like So Far?

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 by Derek McClain

We are continuing our interviews with truck driving training school students to get their feedback on our CDL training and their overall experience. One of the questions we ask is simply, "what has trucking training been like so far?"

The students that we've interviewed seem to agree that they are learning a lot in our truck driver training program. It's not uncommon for someone to think that truck driving is easy and only about getting behind the wheel to haul something from one point to another. These same people are surprised to learn about things like the pre-trip inspection and quickly discover how much hard work is required to pass the CDL test. Regardless of the expectations prior to coming out to CDL training, it's great to find out that they feel prepared to pursue a truck driver job.

Many trucking students note that the hands-on help that our CDL instructors provide really helps them feel comfortable behind the wheel. The other big thing that is often mentioned is the confidence gained in knowing that you are achieving something by going through our truck driver training program. Some say they are able to do things behind the wheel for a large semi truck that they never would have thought they could do before coming to Driver Solutions.

Check out the video below for some feedback as students currently in CDL truck driving school share their feedback on what the experience has been like so far.

Driver Solutions is the industry leader in company paid CDL training. We specialize in placing new truck drivers into entry level truck driving jobs with no experience. We do this by working to place them in a prearranged trucking job opportunity BEFORE they come out to training. Complete our online driver application to speak with a Driver Agent about our process so we can help you get your trucking career started.

Truck Driving Training & Importance Of A CDL License

Monday, September 27, 2010 by CDL Training Experts

USA Trucking Careers require that a driver obtain their commercial driver's license (CDL) before they can pursue a trucking job. They can obtain this license by attending a truck driver training program. This trucking training teaches drivers how to operate their vehicles safely and exhibit the professionalism required to make it out on the open road in the U.S.

The goal of the CDL license and truck driver training program is to help reputable transport companies identify qualified drivers prior to allowing them to start their trucking career professionally. Drivers acquire this license only after passing certain driving knowledge and skills tests. The importance of the CDL stems from the fact that a license holder is immediately perceived as someone who is safe on the road and thus can be entrusted with the charge of a large commercial vehicle such as a semi truck.

There are various grades and endorsements in the CDL. These are evidences of a driver’s skill and knowledge in driving areas other than standard trucks. For instance, a driver acquiring a “P” on his or her CDL is certified to operate a passenger vehicle. The endorsements in the CDL help a carrier fleet company assign the appropriate task to a driver.

If you've been thinking about pursuing a trucking career, complete out online driver application so we can work with you to get out to CDL training at a reputable trucking school so you can get your trucking career started.